Potential Leeds boost as Tom Pearce hints at return from injury

Tom Pearce has posted a message to Leeds United fans on Instagram as he continues his recovery from a foot injury, stating he cannot wait to step foot on the pitch once again.

Pearce, 20, has been sidelined for about a month with the problem, after he was caught switching on the Christmas lights in Leeds City Centre in a protective boot on November 9.

He has failed to make the matchday squad since - missing five Championship fixtures. Leeds have picked up four wins in those five games, beating Wigan Athletic, Reading, Bristol City and Sheffield United.

But with Leeds' defensive woes, Pearce may have just hinted that he is due to return to action sooner rather than later as he posted a message to fans stating his desire to return to action.

Pearce has been used as understudy to summer signing Barry Douglas this season, managing just four appearances in all competitions as £5million signing Douglas continues to impress on the left side of defence.

England youth international Pearce has managed just nine Leeds appearances in total since earning his debut last season, but his potentially imminent return would give Marcelo Bielsa some much-needed cover in defence.

Leeds take on QPR on Saturday at Elland Road as they look to make it four wins in a row, after five victories in six by seeing off the challenge of Steve McClaren's side. A win could see Leeds go top, if Norwich drop points against Bolton.

Will Butcher

Sports journalist who graduated in 2016 from Staffordshire University, and has since worked for Football Insider. Obsessed with anything football related. Still dreaming of a Premier League return for Leeds United.